An unseasonably warm November morning brought the we clean Management Team once again to the iconic MAC in Birmingham for our annual Management Day, one of the most important and valued dates in our Company calendar.
The MAC has been a longstanding partner of the business and once again provided the perfect backdrop for a day of reflection, development and alignment. With the full management team together under one roof, the event offered the ideal opportunity to look back on another year of tremendous progress, while setting our sights firmly on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Setting the Scene – Directors’ Strategic Update (Management Day 2025)
Kicking off proceedings were Directors Paul Concannon and David Harker who opened with a detailed presentation covering operational performance, financial health, and the evolving landscape of the cleaning industry.
The 2024 / 2025 financial year was undoubtedly a success for us an organisation however both Paul and David highlighted the stark reality: the market continues to change at pace. As competition increases and clients expect more value than ever before, it is essential that we not only keep up, but stay ahead.
They outlined how we clean must continue to set the standard, going above and beyond in our service delivery, innovation, sustainability commitments and the way we empower our people.
The Directors emphasised that while the marketplace is becoming more crowded, our differentiator remains unchanged: our people. Our investment in staff training, development, communication and welfare will remain the foundation upon which we build the next phase of growth.
Their presentation reaffirmed our mission: to remain the trusted, quality-driven cleaning partner of choice by delivering exceptional service with integrity, consistency and care.
Departmental Presentations – Strength Through Expertise
HR / Recruitment / Payroll – Supporting Our People
Next up at the we clean Management Day was Jessica Powell, HR Co-ordinator, supported by HR Director, Gaynor Powell.
Jessica provided a comprehensive overview of the continued evolution of our HR functions, with a strong focus on employee support and welfare. A key highlight was our continued investment in an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), which ensures all staff have immediate access to confidential advice, mental health support, financial guidance and professional counselling services.
This programme cements our commitment to being at the forefront of people wellness, a crucial aspect of modern employment and essential in building a resilient and supported workforce.
Jessica also elaborated on how we remain proactive in adapting to new government legislation and industry expectations, ensuring that we maintain best-practice standards across recruitment, onboarding, compliance and staff support.
Procurement – Quality, Security & Sustainability
Following Jessica, Rachael Peacock, Procurement Administrator, provided an in-depth update on our procurement operations.
Rachael discussed how we continue to strengthen relationships with our longstanding supply partners which not only creates consistency but enables access to the very best that the cleaning supply market has to offer. This includes:
- Advanced machinery and cobotics through companies such as Chespack Hygiene
- Industry-leading EU Eco-Labelled chemical systems and continuing to implement chemical free options such as Vireo3
- Robust cyber security protections across supplier networks
- Sustainable uniform (both down and upstream in recycling)
Her presentation reinforced the vital role procurement plays in maintaining operational excellence across our diverse client base.
Finance & Fleet – A Responsible and Sustainable Future
Ben Concannon, Finance Graduate, then took to the stage with an engaging update on both our financial governance and our evolving fleet strategy.
Ben highlighted the importance of rigorous financial controls, forecasting and planning as the company continues to scale. He then shifted focus to an area of great pride, our journey to a fully electric fleet.
As a new addition to we clean Ben offered great insight and education into the world of ESG and is ensuring that we are doing our utmost to reduce our environmental footprint and align with our clients own values and sustainability philosophies.
He explained how we are rapidly reducing our environmental footprint as more vehicles transition to electric, and shared the exciting news that we clean has now been certified by Planet Mark. This accreditation underscores our commitment to reducing carbon emissions and operating responsibly across all areas of the business.
Health & Safety – Leading the Way in H&S Culture
Following Ben, David Holmes-McClure, our Health & Safety Manager, delivered a detailed and insightful overview of the organisation’s Health & Safety performance throughout the 2024–2025 financial year.
David highlighted key statistics, trends and learnings from the past 12 months, stressing the importance of maintaining our exemplary standards across all operational sites. He reinforced the critical role of toolbox talks, site inductions and company inductions, reminding managers that consistent communication and engagement are essential to keeping teams safe, informed and empowered.
His presentation further emphasised that Health & Safety remains the cornerstone of our organisation, underpinning every decision we make and every service we deliver. By continuing to lead the way in H&S culture, we clean ensures that both our people and our clients benefit from the safest possible working environment.
As a company we have exciting growth plans for how we deliver training to our ever-growing frontline teams through the inception of a full we clean Client / Staff Dashboard and ‘Training Academy’.
Sales & Marketing – Growth, Engagement & Brand Strength
After lunch, Jack Dowdeswell, Sales & Marketing Manager, and Matthew Wheeldon-Trigg, Outbound Executive, delivered their joint presentation from a Sales and Marketing perspective.
Jack showcased several key contract wins from the past year, illustrating how our reputation for high-quality service continues to set us apart in an increasingly demanding marketplace. He also explored how our marketing efforts, from digital activity to The Clean, our in-house magazine, continue to elevate the we clean brand across the region.
Another point from Jack’s Management Day section was to highlight how we will be pushing more informative content in the New Year, leaning on our vast industry experience (a combined 100 years +), as we look to cement our position as an authoritative industry voice.
Matthew then provided insights into outbound activity and the importance of identifying opportunities that align with our culture and service ethos. He emphasised that growth is a team effort, with every member of staff able to contribute to business development in their own way, from leads to photos to even the odd cold call!
A Powerful Afternoon of Insight & Inspiration
Team Building with Jonathan Ward – Albion Foundation
We were then joined by Jonathan Ward and Jayne Norton of The Albion Foundation, who delivered a truly impactful team-building session.
As proud patrons of the Foundation, it was inspiring to hear how our support is helping disadvantaged young people and families across Sandwell. Jonathan shared honest, emotional stories that highlighted the daily challenges faced by many in the community plus the challenges that the Foundation works tirelessly to overcome through education, sport and structured support programme.
The hands-on team-building activities were a major highlight. Jonathan led the group through a series of blindfolded challenges, designed to replicate the disorientation and vulnerability experienced by those facing barriers in their lives. Exercises included:
- being guided blindfolded by a partner, relying solely on trust, communication and support
- blindfolded paper aeroplane building, testing teamwork, patience and creative problem-solving without sight
These activities offered a powerful and humbling perspective, giving our team a heightened appreciation for the difficulties many people face daily and the importance of empathy, clarity and trust in the workplace.
Jonathan commented:
“It’s always a pleasure to spend time with the We Clean team whose long-standing support plays a vital role in helping The Albion Foundation reach those in Sandwell and our local communities who need us most. The whole management team were really engaged and I was particularly impressed with their clear team spirit, dedication and camaraderie.At the Foundation, our mission is simple: to change lives, raise aspirations and strengthen our community through education, sport and dedicated support programmes. Partnerships like ours with We Clean allow us to extend this impact even further, ensuring that some of the most vulnerable individuals in our region are given the opportunities and stability they deserve.It was also a privilege to have Dave Heeley OBE with us. Dave’s extraordinary charity work and relentless energy and determination continue to inspire us all. His message of overcoming obstacles and challenges is particularly pertinent and sits at the heart of everything we do at the Foundation.Thanks again to the We Clean team and we look forward to working together further over the coming years!”
A Legend Takes the Stage – Dave Heeley OBE, affectionately known as “Blind Dave”
Our Management Day concluded with an unforgettable motivational speech from Dave Heeley OBE, affectionately known as “Blind Dave”, whose extraordinary life story left the entire team deeply moved and profoundly inspired.
Dave’s journey is one defined by challenge, resilience and an unwavering refusal to be held back by adversity. He spoke candidly about losing his sight at a young age, a life-altering event that many would allow to limit their future… but not Dave.
One of the earliest setbacks he faced was being rejected from the army, a dream he had held onto firmly throughout his youth and whilst he thought his vision was still sufficient. Rather than letting the disappointment define him, Dave used it as fuel, proof that when one door closes, another can be built, opened, and charged through.
He then shared stories of learning to overcome obstacles he once believed impossible, including teaching himself to swim despite never being a confident swimmer before losing his sight. What began as a personal challenge soon evolved into full-scale endurance events, each one more ambitious than the last, all in the name of raising awareness and money for charity.
Among his many world-renowned achievements, Dave spoke proudly about:
- becoming the first blind person in history to run 7 marathons in 7 days across 7 different continents
- completing gruelling ultramarathons and long-distance cycling challenges
- taking on swimming events and triathlons despite having once feared the water
- raising huge amounts for charity through his endurance work
- becoming a national advocate for resilience, perseverance and positivity
Dave’s storytelling combined humour, honesty and humility, reminding us all that obstacles are not the end, they are the beginning of something greater. His message was simple but powerful:
“Limitations only exist if you allow them to.”
His presence was the perfect finale to an already uplifting and insightful day, leaving the entire management team energised, reflective and ready to take on the year ahead with renewed purpose.
A Day to Remember – And One to Build Upon
As the team departed, there was a renewed sense of purpose, unity and motivation throughout the room. Management Day 2025 succeeded in reaffirming our shared commitment to excellence, innovation and the empowerment of our people, with David Harker, we clean Director commenting:
“Management Day is always an important point in the year for us, giving the whole team the chance to take stock of where we are and where we’re heading. This year’s sessions highlighted both the progress we’ve made and the areas we need to stay focused on as the industry continues to change.
What consistently sets us apart is the commitment and professionalism of our people. The depth of expertise shown across every department is a real reminder of the strength we have as an organisation.
I’d also like to extend my thanks to The Albion Foundation and to Dave Heeley OBE. Their contribution added real value to the day, and the work they do in our community is something we’re proud to support.
I came away from the event encouraged, confident in our direction, and grateful for the hard work put in across the business. With the dedication of our teams, we are well positioned for the year ahead.”
A heartfelt thank you must once again go to The MAC for hosting us with such professionalism and warmth.
With new ideas, fresh perspectives and strengthened alignment, we now look ahead to the next 12 months with confidence, ambition and unwavering dedication to delivering the very best for our clients, our people and our communities.
